Why is there so little coaching for softball catchers?

[Amy in AZ.]

I have a catcher that comes with one of my pitchers. The little girl is 10. The first lesson, I asked her to catch flat footed. The 2nd lesson, she was right back up on her toes. I saw her at a tournament and she was sitting on her right ankle. A teenager approached her and asked why she was on one ankle like that and she said that the coach has her do that. The teen said "You have to stay on your toes."

 

[MightyMO]

Chaz,

We aren't far from Kansas City. Maybe once the girls have the basics down we can come down and see you guys sometime.

 

[MightyMO]

I have a catcher that comes with one of my pitchers. The little girl is 10. The first lesson, I asked her to catch flat footed. The 2nd lesson, she was right back up on her toes. I saw her at a tournament and she was sitting on her right ankle. A teenager approached her and asked why she was on one ankle like that and she said that the coach has her do that. The teen said "You have to stay on your toes."

Well I guess on her toes is better than sitting on her ankle.

 

[GOINGDEEP]

Maybe Greenmonsters can elaborate, but what's so hard about catching? I pitch, you catch, after 3 strikes you throw around the horn, then we repeat. It's not rocket science.

 

[laker]

@GOINGDEEP - I think you are purposely being the contrarian here. Right? Otherwise

 

[Greenmonsters]

Maybe Greenmonsters can elaborate, but what's so hard about catching? I pitch, you catch, after 3 strikes you throw around the horn, then we repeat. It's not rocket science.

You're absolutely right, GD, compared to pitching, catching is a piece of cake. The only part that is at all challenging is mastering the art of making every pitcher believe that they are bulletproof, have killer stuff, deserve all credit for success, and bear no responsibility for any failure. But that's still not very hard compared to what you pitcher types have to endure

 

[Greenmonsters]

It sounds like you're taking the right steps to reach your goal. DFP'er Chaz from Advanced Catching Concepts is another guy doing specialized catcher training based on the NECC techniques.

The guys from NECC are fantastic - nice people, and great teachers! My 9yo DD attended one of their 3-day camps this Winter, and it improved her game tremendously. Also at the camp was another 10U girl from our league. Her father and I are spreading the techniques with the catchers in our league. Even simple instruction on proper stances and receiving makes an immediate and dramatic difference in the ability to play the position effectively.

Here's my DD from last Saturday's game...

Great pic Eric - she looks like a real pro. Just double check to make sure she keeps her thumb tucked inside her fist.

 

[Greenmonsters]

DD2 is an aspiring pitcher. I don't have the knowledge to help there so she goes to lessons and I sit on the bucket and try to help where I can.

I completely agree with you about the catcher making the pitcher better (or worse). My other pet peeve with that is that I don't see enough catchers calling games at the 16U and 18U levels. DD1's high school team had an all state catcher last year but I never saw her call a game over the last two years.

IMO, unless a coach was a catcher who called their own games, they literally have no idea how much more effective it can be. And if a kid doesn't get that opportunity starting around age 11 or 12 today, the stakes may be too high for them to learn how to do it in college.

 

[GOINGDEEP]

@GOINGDEEP - I think you are purposely being the contrarian here. Right? Otherwise

Just having some fun with my friend GM.

 

[KCPRK]

Chaz,

We aren't far from Kansas City. Maybe once the girls have the basics down we can come down and see you guys sometime.

I am blessed to be in KC with Chaz and have coached several of his catching students. I refer him and him alone for catching instruction in the region. I highly recommend you visit him and utilize Chaz as an instructor.

hes a good man-does this for the kids.